Astros file another appeal in CSN Houston case

The Astros are appealing a second case to U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes, this time involving the civil lawsuit filed against Comcast and former Astros owner Drayton McLane.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur last month denied the Astros’ request to return the civil case to state court, where it originally was filed last November. The lawsuit, which accuses McLane and Comcast of conspiracy and fraud-related charges associated with the sale of McLane’s share of Comcast SportsNet Houston to Crane’s Houston Baseball Partners group, was moved by Comcast to federal court to be heard in conjunction with the CSN Houston bankruptcy case.

Isgur ruled that Comcast followed proper procedure in having the case moved to bankruptcy court, turning down the Astros’ request to strike that action. The Astros now will ask Hughes to overturn Isgur’s decision.

The Astros also have filed a separate motion seeking to have the case moved back to state court, Isgur is scheduled to hear arguments May 12 in that case.

Hughes previously was assigned the Astros’ appeal of Isgur’s order in February that placed the CSN Houston partnership under Chapter 11 protection. The parties held a seven-hour mediation session last week, and a second conference is scheduled for April 11.